The Hilton Garden Inn-Lakeland was cookin’ on March 28, 2009, when 52 volunteer chefs presented a variety of specialties to more than 500 guests during the first ever Cookin’ Men event. With such an array of flavor, there was something to please even the pickiest of palettes.

The event is sponsored by Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy giving society and was created to raise funds for women’s and children’s services at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Lakeland Regional Cancer Center. Planned as an annual affair, Cookin’ Men is well on its way to become one of Polk County’s premier fund-raising events.

With the inaugural event came a new tradition, the prestigious Pink Panache award. The pink pig trophy is presented to the chef who receives the most votes for best table display. The 2009 recipient is Matthew Cantrall, who served part of his specialty – Redneck Caviar Dip – in a porcelain throne. To view photos from the event, please click on the “gallery” link.

Preparation for the event begins months ahead of time when Women in Philanthropy members and Foundation staff seek potential volunteer chefs and sponsors. Plans will soon be under way for Cookin’ Men 2010, which will be held Saturday, March 20, at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 863.687.1296.

Cookin’ Men includes all the ingredients for a fun and entertaining evening, and it’s all for a great cause. In its first year, the event was a tremendous success, and we hope to see you in 2010!